Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what consideration has been given to using cats for vermin control across the Parliamentary Estate.

On advice given previously to the House of Commons, the decision was made not to bring a cat on the Estate on the following grounds:

1. The Estate had too much construction activity on site to provide a safe living environment for a free-roaming cat.
2. The risk of self-closing doors leaving a cat trapped without sustenance for significant periods of time.
3. The absence of assured daily arrangements for cat care.

We continue to work with our pest control contractor to implement targeted and effective regimes across the Palace. The Department of Estates and Facilities is in discussion with Churchill Cleaning Services to increase the level of intervention and with a view to this being in place by beginning of the summer recess.